Dr. Maggie Aderin is an astronomer and the UK's only black woman rocket scientist. As much in demand for her inspiring science talks as her instrument-building prowess, Maggie's career has been meteoric. As a young girl Maggie struggled at school and was in some remedial classes. Being diagnosed as having dyslexia helped, but the real key to Maggie's success was her determination. Maggie's dad told her she could make it if she was prepared to work hard - and that's just what she did. We follow Maggie on her visit to South Africa to investigate SALT - the South African Large Telescope (the largest telescope in Africa) and then on a trip to the science festival in Grahamstown. Although she is very modest about her achievements Maggie is quite rightly seen as a real inspiration to all young women looking to a career in science, whatever their ethnic origins, although how many will want to join her in her dream retirement location - Mars - remains to be seen.

Video Series: KS3/4 Science
Release Date 2007